ICON Creative Studio Hiring Animator (On-Site)

ICON Creative Studio is currently seeking a motivated, enthusiastic Junior Animator to join our growing animation team. This is a learning-focused role designed for animators who are ready to bridge the gap between academic training and studio-level production.

In this role, you will not be a “cog in the machine”; you will be a key contributor to our ongoing animated productions. You will work side-by-side with industry veterans, supervisors, and mentors who are committed to helping you refine your craft. Whether you are focused on polishing the 12 Principles of Animation or finding the perfect timing for a character’s emotional beat, you will find that ICON is the ideal setting to build a long-term, successful career in the animation industry.

About ICON Creative Studio

Situated in the historic, cobblestoned heart of Vancouver’s Gastown district, ICON Creative Studio stands as Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company. We are a studio built by artists, for artists. Our success is anchored in a holistic philosophy that balances technical efficiency with uncompromising creative ambition.

By leveraging the diverse skill sets of our global team, we have established ourselves as a premier destination for high-end animation production.

ICON Creative Studio’s reputation for quality, efficiency, and meeting rigorous delivery schedules has made us a trusted partner for the world’s leading content creators. We collaborate with major streaming platforms—including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+—to bring stories to life that capture the imaginations of global audiences.

At ICON Creative Studio, we understand that animation is a collaborative marathon, and we are dedicated to providing the environment, resources, and mentorship necessary to empower our artists to do their very best work.

Job Overview : Junior Animator

Why Join the ICON Team?

When you choose to join ICON Creative Studio, you are choosing to become part of a community that values your professional trajectory just as much as your creative output. We believe that a studio is only as strong as its artists, which is why we invest heavily in our people.

• Global Projects, Local Talent: You will have the opportunity to work on top-tier feature films and episodic CG franchises that are watched by millions. Our team is a melting pot of international talent, bringing a wealth of perspectives to our studio in British Columbia.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: We believe in equipping our animators with the best tools in the industry. You will work with the latest software and hardware, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
• A Culture of Excellence: We hold ourselves to a premium standard of quality across all productions. We put every available resource into what appears on-screen, ensuring your work always looks its absolute best.
• Autonomy and Flexibility: We trust our artists. We foster a workplace culture that values autonomy, providing you with the space to own your shots while maintaining a supportive, collaborative environment where help is always just a desk away.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards: We offer a competitive package that goes beyond a salary. This includes generous extended health, dental, vision, prescription drug, and paramedical coverage. Your well-being is a priority, and we provide access to mental health resources to support you both inside and outside the studio.
• Studio Lifestyle: Life at ICON is about more than just the desk. Our studio is pet-friendly, features an onsite gym, and hosts regular social events—both virtual and in-person—that strengthen the bonds of our creative family.

Responsibilities: Your Daily Creative Journey

As a Junior Animator, your primary goal is to contribute to our productions by delivering clear, appealing, and expressive performances. Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Artistic Application: You will animate complex shots by applying the 12 Principles of Animation. This includes honing your timing, mastering weight and gravity, and ensuring your posing is readable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Cinematography: Beyond character performance, you will have the chance to compose and animate cameras. You will learn the rules of photography and cinematography to ensure every shot tells a story and guides the audience’s eye exactly where it needs to be.
• Pipeline Mastery: Our studio runs on a precise workflow. You will be responsible for working within our established pipeline, which includes maintaining clean, organized scene files and thoughtful management of keys and curves.
• Quota and Deadline Management: We operate in a production-heavy environment. You will work toward weekly quotas and be responsible for revising your work based on direct feedback from Directors and Supervisors.
• Active Participation: You will be a regular contributor in dailies, weeklies, and team discussions. We don’t just want you to hear feedback—we want you to apply it. This is a collaborative process, and we expect you to be a proactive learner.
• Mentorship and Growth: Never be afraid to ask for help. When faced with technical or creative hurdles, you will seek guidance from our senior artists and mentors. Communicating regularly with your Leads is essential to ensure that your progress stays aligned with the overall production vision.
• Continuous Improvement: We believe in the “1% better every day” philosophy. You should be actively seeking to improve your speed, technical efficiency, and the overall quality of your animation with every new shot you tackle.

Qualifications: What We’re Looking For

We are looking for individuals who have a hunger for knowledge and a genuine passion for character performance. To be successful in this role, you should possess:

• Experience: At least 1 year of professional experience in an animation production environment, or a strong portfolio derived from a relevant academic or intensive training program.
• Software Proficiency: You should have a working familiarity with Autodesk Maya or equivalent industry-standard 3D animation software.
• Fundamental Knowledge: A rock-solid understanding of animation fundamentals is non-negotiable. We are looking for animators who are excited about performance-based character animation and have the foundation to build upon it.
• Receptivity: The most important quality in a junior artist is the ability to listen. You must be receptive to feedback, able to take notes, and eager to iterate on your work until it shines.
• Professionalism: Strong communication, organization, and time management skills are vital. You will be balancing multiple deadlines and need to keep your work organized and easy for others to pick up.
• Attitude: A positive, team-focused attitude is the hallmark of a successful ICON artist. We want people who are willing to take on challenges, help their teammates, and contribute to a happy, healthy studio environment.

A Note on Compensation and Benefits

This position is a Union position. Consequently, all terms and conditions of employment are covered by a collective agreement, ensuring fair treatment, structured compensation, and professional protections for all our artists.

In accordance with British Columbia’s pay transparency legislation, the wage displayed reflects the minimum rate established under ICON’s collective agreement. Please note that additional compensation may be considered based on your specific experience, qualifications, and the unique needs of our projects, where permitted by the collective agreement.

How to Apply

ICON Creative Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

If you are ready to start your professional journey at a studio that defines the cutting edge of Canadian animation, we would love to see your work. Please submit your resume and your demo reel, showcasing your best character-based animation work, to our careers portal.

Join us at ICON, and help us tell the stories that the world is waiting to see.